Making a Forty-Six Year dream a Reality!
With recent advances in technology and the availability of superfast fibre optic broadband on Arran, the couple also realised they would be able to continue their English/Welsh solicitors practice from Arran. Carol, an English solicitor for 38 years, can act for clients selling and buying commercial and residential properties in England and Wales and advise on English/Welsh legal matters. She is also working with a local Scottish solicitor to provide an integrated legal service for under both legal systems. Carol and Jules felt this would offer an additional service and fill a needed gap.
When packing up for the move, Carol came across a photo of her taken in 1972 standing by Lamlash Pier. Carol said, “The rainbow in the 1972 photo almost points to the place where Stonewater House (built in 2008) now stands; I’m not a superstitious person, but this coincidence seemed to have a certain poignancy and to give off good vibes. As we wake up each morning to the glorious views of Lamlash Bay and Holy Isle, we pinch ourselves to make sure we’re not dreaming and this is really now our home!”
Why Veganism and why a Vegan B&B?
“Veganism” conjures up all sorts of images to different people. There are many ways to embrace vegan living, but one thing all vegans have in common is a plant-based diet avoiding all animal foods including meat, fish, dairy, eggs and honey, and also the avoidance of products like leather and any tested on animals.
So What Do Vegans eat?
A variety! A vegan diet is diverse and comprises all kinds of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds, beans and pulses - all of which can be prepared in endless combinations. Most people’s favourite dishes can be adapted to plantbased ingredients.
People become vegans for different reasons: Better Health
For Carol and Jules it was initially about health. After Jules had a heart scare two years ago (resulting in angioplasty), they looked at alternative diets and having watched various the documentaries Forks Over Knives and What the Health, they decided to switch to a whole food plantbased diet. The benefits over an 18 month period have been immense, and Jules’s heart surgeon told him he didn’t want to see him again as he was “too healthy”. Handfuls of pills are now a thing of the past.
Jules said: “It’s fun experimenting with plant-based ingredients and creating new recipes! We want to share this with others. We’ve welcomed several guests who had never thought of breakfasts without meat, eggs or dairy, but who have said they thoroughly enjoyed trying something different! Our buckwheat pancakes, fruit kebabs, vegan haggis and “creamy” nut milk porridge are all very popular!”
Once the couple had embraced their healthy plantbased diet, they soon realised that there were other compelling reasons for going vegan.
The Environment & Sustainability
One of the most effective ways a person lower their carbon footprint is to avoid animal products. Since the introduction of factory farming, meat and dairy production places a heavy burden on our planet. Huge amounts of grain and water are required, and big agriculture contributes significantly to deforestation and habitat loss. Plant-based diets require only a third of the land needed for animal-based diets, putting less strain on our finite resources.
Animal Welfare
For many, preventing the exploitation of other species is a key reason for going vegan. 60 billion land animals and over a trillion marine animals are killed each year just to satisfy human taste preferences.
Vegan life on Arran
Carol and Jules have been welcomed by Arran people, and are pleased at the number of vegan menu options on local menus. Wherever possible, they source all Stonewater House’s ingredients locally, including organic fruit and veg from Woodside Farm; artisan bread from Blackwaterfoot Bakehouse; wholefoods from Bay Stores, Whiting Bay; and marvellous jams and chutneys from Arran Fine Foods. • Further facts on veganism can be found on the The
Vegan Society’s web-site (www.vegansociety.com). GoVegan Scotland team members will visit Arran on 16th & 17th June and will host an information stall in Brodick on Sat 16th June, providing information about veganism. Carol and Jules have set up the “Arran Vegan Post” Facebook page to provide information about vegan events on the island. For more information about Stonewater House, please see our website www.stonewaterhouse.co.uk, or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For advice on and quotations for English/Welsh property conveyancing, Carol can be contacted at clee@setfords. co.uk or 01572 453101.